Frequently Asked Questions

  • No, and I advise against compensating fundraisers based on commission or contingency. The Association of Fundraising Professionals' Code of Ethical Principles and Standards states: "Members shall not accept payment or enter into agreements that involve a percentage of contributions, nor shall they accept finder’s fees or contingent-based compensation."

  • No, a 501(c)(3) status is not necessary to engage Safe Passage for strategic planning and program development. However, obtaining this designation is essential for securing corporate sponsorships, private foundation grants, and charitable contributions.

  • Yes, nonprofit Boards should be actively informed about fundraising efforts and play a key role in collaboration with fundraising staff, consultants, and community volunteers. Board members are vital to an organization’s success, serving as bridges between their networks and your nonprofit’s mission. They should wholeheartedly support efforts to expand and enhance resources for your organization.

  • Safe Passage is located in the South Sound region of Western Washington, but serves nonprofits across the country.

  • Yes! I love helping sanctuaries accredited by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS), ensuring proposals align with their high standards of animal care, sustainability, and ethical stewardship. I craft compelling proposals that align with GFAS standards and resonate with funders who prioritize ethical animal care and understand that the need is rooted in direct animal care rather than community-based initiatives.

  • Yes! If a client is interested in moving forward, portfolio materials and writing samples can be provided upon request during our initial consultation.

  • Not at all! Those are causes that truly resonate with my affinity for the environment, but I have helped many other wonderful causes such as school inclusion programs, cooling the urban heat island effect, reducing flooding & water runoff, and many school-sustainability related improvements.

    Nonprofit Specialty Areas:

    ● Animal welfare: shelters, fosters, rescues, sanctuaries

    ● Wildlife habitat protection, connectivity, eco-ducts

    ● Wildlife protection and advocacy

    ● Accessible recreation, accommodations for individuals with special needs in public and natural spaces

    ● Access to nature for children and marginalized communities

    ● Protecting green spaces, clean trails and beaches

    ● Sustainability improvements, such as recycling and compost programs, school/community gardens, and farm-to-schools food initiatives, urban agriculture, zero-waste initiatives

    ● Equity-driven initiatives: LGBTQ youth programs, cultural preservation, inclusivity programs

    ● Refugee aid programs

  • No, I develop grant proposals and funding applications across a diverse range of funding sources, including:

    ● Private Foundations – Established by individuals, families, or corporations, these funders support initiatives aligned with their philanthropic priorities.

    ● Community Foundations – Regional funding organizations that invest in nonprofits serving specific geographic areas.

    ● Corporate Philanthropy – Businesses offering grants, sponsorships, or in-kind contributions to nonprofits that align with their mission and values.

    ● Rotary Clubs & Civic Organizations – Groups like Rotary, Lions Club, and Kiwanis often fund community-based projects and local initiatives.

    ● Tribal Funding – Grant programs and philanthropic initiatives led by Native American tribes to support environmental, cultural, and social causes.